ZINACANTAN

ZINACANTAN

Up in the mountains, around 7 miles (11 km) from San Cristobal de las Casas is the small village of Zinacantan; translated it means "Valley of Bats".

The village is often included as part of a tour of local villages around San Cristobal and is best experienced with the help of a local guide, who can give insight and local knowledge that will help you to make some sense of the distinct culture and customs here.

The village dates back to Aztec times, when local salt mines were exploited and formed a major part of the economic activity. Today, the flower trade is the principal means by which the local people make a living.

The people of Zinacantan have always been naturally talented trades people and merchants—perhaps a characteristic passed down from their Aztec ancestry. Like neighbouring San Juan Chamula the people in Zinacantan enjoy their privacy; like other peoples in this region, they can be identified by the clothes they wear. All the clothes they wear are hand-made locally. The most important local event here is held around the 10th of August: the festival to honour the Virgen de la Candelaria. Expect parties, processions and special markets during this time.

If you are in the area around this time, don’t miss out on experiencing the Virgen de la Candelaria Fiesta in Zinacantan.

The village dates back to Aztec times, when local salt mines were exploited and formed a major part of the economic activity. Today, the flower trade is the principal means by which the local people make a living. The people of Zinacantan have always been naturally talented trades people and merchants—perhaps a characteristic passed down from their Aztec ancestry.

Like other peoples in this region, they can be identified by the clothes they wear. All the clothes they wear are hand-made locally.

The most important local event here is held around the 10th of August: the festival to honour the Virgen de la Candelaria. Expect parties, processions and special markets during this time. If you are in the area around this time, don’t miss out on experiencing the Virgen de la Candelaria Fiesta in Zinacantan.